Automotive Hall of Fame – Peter Burchill & Vulcan Racing

What`s your day job?

Sales in construction industry – Icarus Light Steel Frames.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Securing first £1m project with day job. In racing getting most improved driver in championship and winning class in competitive championship.

What would be your dream car/ motorcycle?

Lotus Esprit V8 turbo.

Did you always want to be a racer or something else?

Yes we all have aspirations to race, mine started by taking father for an E type/Elise experience for his 60^th at Silverstone which was the catalyst to getting first track car and then start racing.

Front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or 2 wheels?

FWD as people are amazed how well they can go, plus if it rains then does not matter how much power your M3 has …   Racing a saloon car that people don’t expect to be quick is very satisfying.

What motorsport event would you most like to compete in?

Endurance racing really appeals, we have done four and six hour races, but it would be great to try longer events …   24-hour racing with a group of friends, what more could a club racer want?

What is the most insane/scary/memorable drive/ ride you’ve ever had?

Wet race at Silverstone in which we could see nothing. You were lucky to see your bonnet let alone apex especially when the single seaters when through. Full chat down hanger straight was a white-knuckle ride and breaking was well entertaining. Being front wheel drive we made up lots of time in the Birkett and finished first in class on track very satisfying!

How involved are you in testing and mechanical tweaking before events?

I try my hand but luckily I have great support from Tony Stiles, he hates it when I come into the pits smiling saying that was a great session. We do try to test as much as possible but like most club racers the budget is not endless. I can take the car apart but do like to have some help re-assembling which is not bad for a driver.

Where do you see you’re self in five years time?

Running in some endurance series as well as racing in club events in UK and Europe. I would like to still be racing the MG as they are so underrated and the V6 engine has a great purr. We currently race in a controlled series, so very limited mods are allowed.

What is your go to playlist or song before an event to get in the zone?

Metallica ‘One’ is a personal favourite to listen to prior event.

If you could try any other motorsport what one would you choose?

I would like to try Rally Cross at some stage as its great to watch.

What’s the fastest you’ve ever gone in a car or bike on track and when?

I am never a great passenger but was astounded by acceleration of a customers AMG C63 at Donington Park for a NASP car, it sounded awesome circa 140 mph from what I recall.

What is your daily drive or ride?

Audi A4 S Line oil burner, it spits out fairy’s and still gives 190bhp with flappy paddles to make the UK motorways and A roads more entertaining.

Who is your inspiration and why?

My grandfather who is no longer with me, he taught me to treat people how you wish to be treated and never give up. If you want something, work for it! Life is always more satisfying when you have to work for something.

What is the one thing you could not live without?

Chocolate endorphins are one of life’s pleasures like speed. We all love it and none of us want to do without it.

What is your favourite takeaway?

Chinese.

Do you have a favourite movie?

Leon.

Any bad habits?

I am sure my wife would list some, I’m not the tidiest.

Tell us something about you that most people would not know?

I set up Vulcan Racing to help get better deals for fellow club racers in all types of motorsport.

Would you rather fight 100 horse-sized ducks or 1 duck-sized horse?

One horse sized duck … Just think of the pancakes afterwards with some plumb sauce.